Stress-Skin Homes Move Mainstream

With refined systems foam-panel manufacturers are penetrating more markets

by
Steve
Carlson
Builders assemble a custom saltbox using panels provided by Branch River Foam Plastics. Panels are cut in the field according to shop drawings
that Branch River supplies for each home.
STRESS-SKIN
HOMES MOVE
MAINSTREAM
With
refined
systems
foam-panel
manufacturers
are
penetrating
more
markets
0n a wooded hillside in Keene, N. H.,
heavy machinery is at work building
roads and laying sewer lines for a 54-
house development.
The houses are far from identical, but
share design features such as steep roofs
and cathedral ceilings. Those that are
closed in wear the badges of energy
efficiency: tiny heating systems and airto-
air heat exchangers.
The development looks similar to
many others in the upper-middle price
range. But instead of studs, joists, or
timber frames, the houses are all